Hubs

The hub flange of the Reynolds Assault SLG Disc is divided into six segments, each providing a home for two spokes, which exit in almost diametrically opposed directions. The mounting point for a six-bolt rotor is a similar shape to the hub flange, but slightly off-centre. Its appearance has divided opinion among those in our riding circle granted a glimpse of the hoops ahead of publication.

Up front, the design is almost a mirror image of the rear, with the exception of a smaller barrel and identically-sized flanges on either side (the flange at the driveside rear is larger than the other three, presumably to provide better bracing for the greater load it must bear). While at a first glance it may resemble a standard road hub, closer inspection of the non-driveside reveals the presence of a mount for a six-bolt rotor.

Unscrewing the locating nut from the axle of the rear hub (a rewarding process that reveals a finely engineered axle thread), allows easy access to the freehub mechanism, one that operates on six pawls, each equipped with two teeth, which we hope will offer solid engagement. Additionally, the design places the two cartridge bearing units – one recessed into the hubshell, and the other at the end of the freehub mechanism – in close proximity. While placing the bearing at the end of the freehub body mechanism than deeper inside is not unheard of (Hope use a similar design, for example), Reynolds have surrounded the bearing with the ratchet rather than place this second half of the drive mechanism, begun with the pawls, further inside the hub shell.